41qt Female Rack build

Ugh I had this type out already and hit refresh by accident. Here goes again:

This rack isnt the most aesthetically pleasing to some, but it works for me because it is cheap and easy to build. The wood for this rack costs a total of 90 bucks, and that works for me. The plans for this one were off of the one just like it that houses 34qt tubs, so I didnt measure anything and went off parts of the other rack. I ended up with a 9 tub rack, but if you just take the measurements for the parts making up the base and cut the height by an inch, youll be able to make this a 10 tub rack.

Materials:
2 4'x8' sheets of melamine cut into

10 shelves 17"x36"
2 pcs 7"x36'
2 pcs 7"x15.5"

4 Pine planks, 1"x6"x6'


First step is to build the base. Its as simple as puttin the 4 smaller piece together into a rectangle. Tada.
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._6730592_n.jpg

Then you add one of the shelves to the base. I had an unfortunate employee cut my melamine sheets, so he shortchanged me one shelf. Make sure that they cut the 4x8 board into a 3x8 board, and then cut the 17" wide shelves out of that, or else youll be forced to compensate for the short shelf left over from him cutting the board into 17"x8' sheets...like I did.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._3460866_n.jpg

Next you add the 1x6x6 posts to the base. Easy as that. Have something ( or someone) holding up the other end of the boards for stability.
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._3978501_n.jpg
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs134...._6542279_n.jpg

For spacing I used these 1/4" felt stick ons and stuck them to the top of the tub, and then laid the tub upside down on the shelf. Usually the 6ft planks wont be completely straight, so if you have a tight fit just put the tub on as far as it will go and then push outward on the posts, the tub will drop right down.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._5763996_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._5979773_n.jpg

Its good to have a helper handing you your screws I think lol.
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs134....0_157398_n.jpg

Keep adding shelves until you run out, and there you have it. You can see the left over length of planks that would accomadate another level, but I didnt need it. To utilize it, just make the base 6x36 and 6x 15.5. Next step is to add Flexwatt. If you prefer your rack to be closed off on the sides, you can add pegboard in the middle where its open. Thats personal preference. I was going to on the original rack if the snakes needed it, but they have been thriving without it so I havent.

Thats it. Hope it helps.

this is perfect for my budget. Thanks for posting this! Gonna have to build it this weekend while visiting my folks so I can use their tools c:

I did the same thing basically but I cut my shelves 17"x34.5" to make the tubs fit in there with no side to side play. Unless the OP's shelf is one where they aren't longways like mine, I don't know all I see are red Xs. Regardless, the exact width of the tops of the sterilite 41 qt tubs is 34.5".

Here is my 8 shelf unit.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...w/100_0870.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottyBoa

I did the same thing basically but I cut my shelves 17"x34.5" to make the tubs fit in there with no side to side play. Unless the OP's shelf is one where they aren't longways like mine, I don't know all I see are red Xs. Regardless, the exact width of the tops of the sterilite 41 qt tubs is 34.5".

Here is my 8 shelf unit.

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Yeah, mine isnt a sideways rack. I dont mind the extra 1.5" depth that I have, and 36" was a number I preferred to work with. You probably can't see the pics because I host them on Facebook.

Hey,

You said for materials you need a 7X36 Foot.....Thats makes no sense. Did you make a mistake meaning 7 footX36 Inch

-Superb Exotics

One thing to note..is to only do one tub at the time. If your try and stack them and space more than one or two the weight of the boards on the bottom tubs will warp them. thus when the rack is done the bottom tubs can be as much as a 1/4" shorter and the tubs will no longer fit..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Superb Exotics

Hey,

You said for materials you need a 7X36 Foot.....Thats makes no sense. Did you make a mistake meaning 7 footX36 Inch

-Superb Exotics

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*facepalm*

Typos are typos, I have a wacked out shift key finger.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

One thing to note..is to only do one tub at the time. If your try and stack them and space more than one or two the weight of the boards on the bottom tubs will warp them. thus when the rack is done the bottom tubs can be as much as a 1/4" shorter and the tubs will no longer fit..

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Good point, I assumed that was described thru the pics. One level at a time is definitely a must.

It goes tub, shelf, screw, remove tub, place on next level. I only use on tub to build, and then put the tubs in at the end.

I use 2-3 blank/old cds as spacers for my tubs and def do one at a time. Just be aware that melamine can sag/warp after awhile. I learned about that the hard way...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottyBoa

I use 2-3 blank/old cds as spacers for my tubs and def do one at a time. Just be aware that melamine can sag/warp after awhile. I learned about that the hard way...

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What does the vertical spacing of your shelves end up being using that method?